I’m learning about someone else’s culture and loving how Polynesian people care about theirs.
I’m a Spanish man who loves different cultures and I’m proud to say this Native Hawaiian group brought out a side of me that I love and didn’t know I had. I joined this spiritual group in 2022. Being in jail or prison since I was 19 years old, I have never been a part of a group where I am included and seen like I am in this one. I’m learning about someone else’s culture and loving how Polynesian people care about theirs. The music, the different instruments, the food, and how they dance, every movement has meaning. The way you move your hips, angle your arms or hands, or even make a hand gesture, it all means something. I did my first Haka and Hula last year and had so much fun. At first I didn’t want to do it because I was nervous about looking bad or hearing someone say, “Why are you doing that? You’re not Polynesian.” But I voiced my concerns to my brothers in the group and they said, “You’re one of us,” and encouraged me to dance. I did and had a blast. I kept going to practice, doing my best, and it paid off. We had our Makahiki last year and I performed a Tahitian dance and a Khamhi dance. It felt so good to be a part of it. My brothers also encouraged me to learn about my own culture. I didn’t know I could have so much fun even though I’m the tiniest in the group.
